DURBAN – Kaizer Chiefs supporters have already begun to cast doubt over the future of new coach Giovanni Solinas but the Italian remains confident of turning things around following the dismal start to his tenure.
Amakhosi were held to a 0-0 stalemate against a 10-man Maritzburg United side on Friday night, a result which sees Solinas and his troops winless in four league outings.
Chiefs admit the Italian wasn’t the first choice to take over the reins, and his appointment was met with mixed emotions. His poor start hasn’t helped him, and neither have his excuses about fatigue.
Solinas, though, is adamant his team will challenge for the title despite the fact they have started on the back foot.
“I know that three draws in a big club like Kaizer Chiefs is not good enough but I’m confident because we are creating chances in each and every game. The PSL is a marathon,” he said.
Chiefs have just three points out of the possible 12, after stalemates against Mamelodi Sundowns, Baroka FC and Maritzburg United. Last week, Amakhosi lost 3-1 to Bidvest Wits.
Solinas, however, believes that the last kick is more important then how you start your season.
"Football is about how you finish, it is not about how you start. This is a horse race. We judge the horse at the finish line. There’s a lot of games to be played. The league finishes in May and we still have time to fight for the title.”
Against United, Solinas was left dejected as his side’s failed to make their numerical advantage count, after midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu was given his marching orders 14 minutes in the match for his reckless tackle on Siyabonga Ngezana.
“When you don’t win a game like this, it is a little frustrating. But in football situations like these can happen. We are creating a lot of chances, everything is perfect and the only thing we are missing is to put the ball at the back of the net," Solinas said.
Amakhosi will now shift focus to the MTN8, where they are pitted against SuperSport United in a two-legged semi final.
“I don’t want to complain about my players. They did a good job. Yes, we need to improve in our finishing. I’m sure that in future when we come back to the training session and practice our finishing drills, the team will improve,” Solinas explained as he calls for calmness in the final third.
Chiefs will take on SuperSport twice and Bloemfontein Celtic in the league and then go into the Fifa break.
“The break will give us time to fix our mistakes. It is going to be a good opportunity for us. The month of August has been congested. It is a good opportunity to practice our specific finishing drills and fix our mistakes. We will exploit this time in a right manner.” he added.
Chiefs have only scored two goals in three league matches.
“Our build-up is good. We enter the opposition box easily. We only have to improve our finishing. We have to stay calm in the final third. We tend to rush things. The build-up is nice, we keep possession and the combinations are also good.”